Auburn's Cam Newton timeline: From recruitment to NCAA ruling

Cam Newton has been on the go for Auburn (Birmingham News / Hal Yeager)

The NCAA ruled Cam Newton eligible to compete Wednesday, and that means the Auburn quarterback will play in Saturday's SEC Championship Game against South Carolina.

The story of Newton's recruitment by Mississippi State -- and thus the first hit on the Cam Newton on the national scene -- hit the airwaves Nov. 4. Wednesday, Newton's father, Cecil Newton, was criticized by the NCAA and SEC for his participation in his son's recruitment involving Mississippi State.

Auburn and Cam Newton were not implicated by the NCAA or SEC, though Auburn following procedure, ruled him ineligible Tuesday. The NCAA quickly reinstated him.

Here's a Cam Newton timeline, beginning with his recruitment at Mississippi State.